Thermal performance study using parabolic collector and cavity receiver using nano-storage materials for solar drying of apples in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Drying serves as both a preservation method and a processing step for certain products. It is utilized in both rural and industrial settings,particularly within the food processing industry

Dryers that operate on fossil fuels consume significant amounts of energy.Given the rising costs of oil in recent years, which are likely to continue increasing, it is essential to develop drying systems that do not rely on traditional energy sources. Solar drying is one such method that harnesses solar radiation as a free and renewable energy source

Solar dryers are relatively easy to construct using locally available materials and tools, and they can function through natural or forced convection The drying process requires energy and heat, which depend on various factors, including the relative humidity of the air, the drying temperature, the characteristics of the product (such as thickness, surface area, and air resistance), and the moisture content of the item being dried.Consequently, the performance of the dryer is directly influenced by the level of solar irradiation and the relative humidity in the area where it is used.